Transforming Space into Place: Exploring Phenomenology in the Built Environment

Abstract

Phenomenology has always been a part of designing, but has been underutilized for years. By acknowledging certain senses, a space can grow from being just a “space” into a “place”. In order to create a truly unique and memorable place, it needs to access more than one sense in the visitor. Introducing the concept of phenomenology into a designed space can shed a new light on the space and create an overall better experience for the environment its in. To comply with this type of thinking, I hereby propose a study of designed spaces at the University of Illinois Urbana-­‐Champaign that successfully acknowledge the use of phenomenology. This study is to be carried out in a qualitative manner, determining why the visitors repeatedly come to the building and what about the building attracts them. The results will determine if the phenomenological outlook on the space was successful and what successes should be applied to other spaces. The findings aim to provide insight into how sensory-rich environments influence behaviour and attachment, offering strategies for future designs to better resonate with users. The purpose of the study is to highlight the need for architects and designers to move beyond visual aesthetics and embrace multisensory design elements to enhance the user's experience leading to a profound connection between people and place